Great Art Inspiration Spots
Gathering inspiration from the bounty of vineyards, orchards and flowering fields in the Central Valley and Sierra Foothills is easy. However, painting, sketching or taking photos where inspiration strikes is not. Without shoulders, winding and narrow rural roads are dangerous places to be creative. Luckily, area agricultural businesses welcome you to reap stimulation, and stay safe, from spring's first buds of springs to the cool grays of winter.
In Yolo County artists and farmers are brought together through a year-round program. Unleash your creativity through this ever-changing cornucopia of visual motivation.
Please call ahead to make sure your host is not in the middle of harvest or a special event.
High Hand Nursery
3750 Taylor Rd
Loomis CA 95650
(916) 652-2065
Hours: Mon to Sat 9am - 5pm; Sun 9am - 4pm
www.highhand.com
Wherever your eyes fall inspiration follows. Paths meander past waterfalls spilling into koi ponds, pergolas covered in lush blooms and acres of plants both inside and out. This historic former fruit packing shed built in 1901 is a favorite subject and houses an art gallery. Plein air groups can call to reserve time at High Hands' Maple Rock Gardens in nearby Penryn. The private estate garden features 35 species of Japanese maple trees.
Miraflores Winery
2120 Four Springs Trail
Placerville, CA 95667
Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(530) 647-8505
www.mirafloreswinery.com
Throughout the day the sun creates different dappling effects as it moves across the vineyards of Miraflores Winery in Pleasant Valley. Artists are invited to set up on the tasting room's terrace and reap the rewards of a classic Northern California vista – rolling hills with pockets of pine trees and dotted by rows of growing grapes. The tasting room also features interesting antique aspects.
The Fruit Bowl
8767 E Waterloo Rd
Stockton, CA 95215
(209) 931-1196
Hours: Varies seasonally, call ahead
Free admission
www.thefruitbowl.com
If one could capture the delightful aroma of peach blossoms with paint, the Fruit Bowl's orchards are the place to do it. Spring's delicate buds become golden rosy globes of summer stone fruit. The Lucchetti family also has stands filled with local produce perfect for still-life inspiration.
Horton's Iris Farm
7440 King Road
Loomis, CA 95650
(916) 652-4351
Open Friday through Monday in April, May and weekends in October.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Spring); 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Oct)
Photographers and class instructors are charged a nominal fee
www.hortonirisgarden.com
Multi-colored rows of over 1300 iris varieties, ruffling under the spring's breezes, never fail to stimulate creative juices. On five acres of land inspiration is also found with blooming day lilies and lavender fields. Come fall and pumpkins of all sizes dot the rolling horizon.
Madroña Vineyards
2560 High Hill Road
Camino, CA 95709
(530) 644-5948
Hours: Daily 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free admission
(530) 885-5670
www.madronavineyards.com
Whatever the season - Mother Nature smiles here. Nestled in the Apple Hill region of El Dorado County the winery takes its name from the centuries-old madroña tree standing stately in the vineyards. Their high altitude location gives a panorama of land, sky and mountains.
Yolo Arts' Ag and Art Program
120 W. Main, Suite B
Woodland, CA 95695
(530) 406-4844
Open to Yolo County artists only
From strawberries to walnuts and tomatoes to almonds with colorful fields of alfalfa and lavender in between Yolo County is ablaze with agriculture every season. Artists, both professional and amateur, are urged to apply for inclusion in the program that promotes sustainable agriculture with the visual arts. Monthly, artists are given access to farms and ranches. Their creative works are shown at the annual "Art Farm" exhibition and auction, and the proceeds go back to fund the program and the Yolo Land Trust.
12455 Steiner Road
Plymouth, CA 95669
(209) 245-4099
Hours: Daily 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free Admission
www.deavervineyard.com
Amador County is reminiscent of the Tuscan landscape of Italy. Tradition thrives here, too, as the family-owned vineyard began two centuries ago with the planting of Mission grapes. Now the wonders of nature from vineyards to tree-lined lakes inspire artists of all mediums.
